Sustainable Winemaking Ontario Certified
Sustainability is an idea everyone can get behind, but what exactly does it mean? Some years ago, a handful of Ontario wineries renowned for walking the walk where environmental responsibility was concerned decided a definition would be helpful—and, beyond that, a certification. Ontario Craft Wineries led the way, creating the Sustainable Winemaking Ontario Certified (SWO) program and drawing up stringent rules and standards that had to be met. Last year, they joined the Grape Growers of Ontario to add a separate certification for vineyards.
Environmental responsibility is at the heart of the initiative— conserving water, reducing waste and waste water, and implementing energy-efficiency programs, including sustainable power sources. But there are other equally important pillars. Certified wineries must produce VQA wines, which are always made from locally grown grapes, further reducing their carbon footprint. They must also be leaders in social responsibility and actively encourage positive relationships within their communities. In the future, additional charters will set high standards for responsible advertising, employment practices and diversity within the workplace.